UPDATE: Pope Francis, the leader of 1.3 billion Catholics, has canceled his upcoming trip to Dubai for the COP28 climate talks on the advice of doctors concerned about his recent flu-like symptoms, the Vatican announced. The 86-year-old pope, who has made protecting the environment a cornerstone of his 10-year papacy, had planned to become the first pontiff to attend the UN event since its inception in 1995.
“Although the Holy Father’s general clinical picture has improved with regard to his flu-like condition and inflammation of the respiratory tract, doctors have asked the Pope not to make the trip planned for the coming days to Dubai,” explained Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni in a statement. “Pope Francis accepted the doctors’ request with great regret, and the trip is therefore canceled,” Bruni added.
With Pope Francis’ withdrawal from the conference, which begins on Thursday, COP28 will lose one of the highest-profile advocates for the environment. His presence at the event was considered significant, as his words carry moral authority and have the potential to nudge world leaders towards concrete action on climate change.
Despite his recent health challenges, Pope Francis has consistently emphasized the link between climate change and poverty, highlighting how the world’s most marginalized communities bear the brunt of global warming. His message resonates particularly with the developing world, where more than half of the Catholic population resides.
In Dubai, the pope had planned to use his platform to admonish countries for their lack of action on climate change and to urge them to make substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, he aimed to play a role in rebuilding trust between climate-vulnerable nations and affluent, consumerism-driven polluters.
Over the years, Pope Francis has faced various health issues, including knee and hip pain, an inflamed colon, and hernia surgery in June. Recently, he experienced mild flu symptoms, which led to the cancellation of events. However, a CT scan ruled out any pulmonary complications, providing some reassurance regarding his condition.
Despite his illness, Pope Francis will lead his weekly audience on Wednesday morning as planned. This commitment reflects his dedication to his papal duties and his desire to continue engaging with the faithful.
Last year, knee pain forced Pope Francis to postpone a trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. However, he eventually made the visit earlier this year, demonstrating his determination to fulfill his pastoral responsibilities.
While Pope Francis’ absence from the COP28 climate talks is disappointing, his ongoing commitment to environmental issues remains steadfast. His advocacy for climate action and his focus on the impact of global warming on the most vulnerable populations continue to inspire individuals, communities, and world leaders to address this urgent challenge.
Source: The Manila Times
